Spain in August transforms into a festival hotspot, with celebrations filling streets across the country. La Tomatina brings thousands to Buñol for the world-famous tomato fight, whilst Sanlúcar de Barrameda’s beach horse races offer an elegant spectacle. From Madrid to small villages, August delivers Spain’s most dynamic festival atmosphere. Religious processions honour local saints alongside modern music festivals and street parties. For visitors seeking authentic Spanish culture mixed with summer excitement, Spain in August delivers the perfect combination of tradition, celebration and sunny Mediterranean days.
What’s On in Spain in August?
La Tomatina – The World’s Biggest Food Fight
Where?: Buñol (Valencia)
La Tomatina is undoubtedly one of Spain’s most famous and internationally recognised festivals. This chaotic and exuberant event sees thousands of participants engage in a massive tomato-throwing battle in the streets of Buñol, with over 150,000 kg of tomatoes hurled during what is essentially the world’s biggest food fight.
The origins of La Tomatina date back to 1945 when a spontaneous food fight broke out during a local parade. The tradition continued informally until it was banned in the 1950s under Franco’s dictatorship. However, following public demand, the festival was reinstated and has grown enormously in popularity, attracting visitors from across the globe.
The event begins in the morning with a challenge known as the palo jabón, where participants attempt to climb a greased pole to retrieve a ham at the top. At 11 am, once the ham is secured, a cannon fires to signal the beginning of the tomato fight. Trucks unload tonnes of ripe tomatoes, marking the start of the hour-long battle. By the end, the streets and festival-goers are completely covered in tomato pulp.
Feria de Málaga – Andalucía’s Grandest Summer Fair
Where?: Málaga (Andalucía)
The Feria de Málaga, or Málaga Fair, is the largest summer fair in Andalucía and one of the most vibrant events in Spain. It dates back to 1487 when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, commemorated the conquest of Málaga from Moorish rule. Today, the festival combines historical and cultural elements with lively celebrations.
The fair is divided into two main areas: the Feria del Centro, held in the city’s historic centre, where the streets are filled with people enjoying music, flamenco dancing and traditional tapas and the Feria del Real, a large fairground on the outskirts where amusement rides, live performances and casetas (marquees) offer entertainment until the early hours.
A highlight of the Feria de Málaga is the spectacular fireworks display on the opening night over the port, followed by a week of non-stop partying, equestrian shows and parades featuring people dressed in traditional Andalucían attire.
Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) – The Basque Country’s Biggest Festival
Where?: Bilbao (Basque Country)
Semana Grande, also known as Aste Nagusia in Basque, is Bilbao’s most significant annual celebration. Established in 1978, this nine-day festival honours Bilbao’s patron saint, the Virgin of Begoña and showcases Basque culture through concerts, parades, theatre performances and street entertainment. The festival’s mascot, Marijaia, a cheerful figure with raised arms, represents the spirit of celebration and is ceremoniously burned on the final night.
The festival is marked by txupinazo, an opening rocket launch that signals the start of the festivities. Bilbao then transforms into a city of music, street theatre and cultural performances.
One of the most exciting features of Semana Grande is the nightly international fireworks competition, where teams from different countries compete in spectacular pyrotechnic displays over the Nervión River. The festival also features traditional Basque sports such as stone lifting, wood chopping and tug-of-war contests. The streets of Bilbao come alive with txosnas (festival tents) set up by different social groups, where people enjoy drinks, pintxos and live music.
Sanlúcar Horse Races – Spain’s Oldest Equestrian Event
Where?: Sanlúcar de Barrameda (Andalucía)
The Sanlúcar Horse Races (Carreras de Caballos) take place on the beaches of Sanlúcar de Barrameda at low tide, offering a unique spectacle where thoroughbred horses race along the shoreline as the sun sets. This tradition dates back to 1845 when local fishermen would informally race their horses along the beach.
Today, the event is a prestigious sporting competition that attracts top jockeys, trainers and spectators from across Spain. The races are held in two phases across several days, with large crowds gathering on the sands to watch the spectacle. The contrast between the galloping horses, the golden sand and the Atlantic Ocean makes it one of the most picturesque sporting events in the country. The races are free to watch from the beach, although VIP seating areas are available for those wanting a closer view of the action.
Elx Mystery Play – A UNESCO-Protected Theatrical Tradition
Where?: Elche (Valencia)
The Misteri d’Elx (Elx Mystery Play) is a sacred musical drama dating back to the 15th century. This medieval play, performed in the Basilica of Santa María, depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is one of the oldest surviving examples of European theatre.
Performed entirely in Valencian, the play is divided into two parts: the Vespra on 14th August and the Festa on 15th August. The performance features traditional music, elaborate costumes and dramatic staging involving both celestial and earthly characters. The highlight of the performance is the use of an elaborate mechanical system that allows angels to descend from the ceiling, representing Mary’s ascension to heaven and creating a stunning visual effect.
Recognised as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the play attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Festa Major de Gràcia – Barcelona’s Most Colourful Street Festival
Where?: Gràcia, Barcelona (Catalonia)
The Festa Major de Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s most beloved neighbourhood festivals. Held in the charming Gràcia district, the festival is famous for its street decorations, where local residents compete to create the most imaginative and elaborate designs.
During the week-long event, the streets of Gràcia are transformed with artistic installations based on different themes, ranging from fantasy worlds to historical recreations. The festival also features live music, traditional Catalan dances (such as sardanas), human tower performances (castellers) and fireworks.
Other Notable Festivals in Spain in August 2025
Fiesta de la Sidra Natural (Natural Cider Festival): A celebration of Asturias’ famous cider, featuring cider pouring competitions and tastings – (Gijón, Asturias).
Fiesta de la Virgen Blanca: A lively festival honouring the city’s patron saint, featuring processions, traditional Basque dances and fireworks – (Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country).
Romería Vikinga (Viking Festival): A dramatic re-enactment of Viking raids on the Galician coast, featuring costumed warriors and mock battles – (Catoira, Galicia).
Descenso del Sella: An internationally famous canoe race down the Sella River, attracting thousands of competitors and spectators, accompanied by a major fiesta – (Arriondas to Ribadesella, Asturias).
Music Festivals in Spain in August 2025
Rototom Sunsplash: Europe’s largest reggae festival featuring international artists – (Benicàssim, Valencia).
Sonorama Ribera: A major indie and rock music festival in Spain – (Aranda de Duero, Castilla y León).
Medusa Sunbeach Festival: An electronic dance music festival attracting top DJs – (Cullera, Valencia).
Dreambeach Villaricos: A coastal electronic music festival with a stunning beachside setting – (Almería, Andalucía).
Useful Links to July Festivals in Spain
| Festival | Town/City | Comunidad | More Information |
| La Tomatina | Buñol | Valencia | https://latomatina.info/ |
| Feria de Málaga | Málaga | Andalucía | https://www.malaga.eu/ |
| Semana Grande | Bilbao | Basque Country | https://turismo.euskadi.eus/ |
| Sanlúcar Horse Races | Villajoyosa | Sanlúcar de Barrameda | https://www.sanlucarturismo.com/ |
| Elx Mystery Play | Elche | Valencia | https://ich.unesco.org/ |
| Festa Major de Gràcia | Barcelona | Catalonia | https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/ |
August in Spain is a month of spectacular celebrations, from historic traditions to modern music festivals. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in cultural heritage, witness historic re-enactments, or dance the night away, there’s something for everyone in some corner of the country during the height of summer.
FAQs About Spain in August
What’s The Weather Like in Spain in August?
The month of August in Spain brings warm and sunny weather to most parts of the country making it an ideal time to attend the festivals and cultural events which take place at this time of year.
Mediterranean: Along the Mediterranean coast of Spain (eg. Barcelona, Valencia and Málaga) August is characterized by hot temperatures with average highs ranging from 28-35°C and even higher in some areas of the central and southern coast. The skies are usually clear with plenty sunshine and the chances of rain are low.
Atlantic: Along the Atlantic coast (eg. Bilbao, Santander and A Coruña) August tends to be milder compared to the Mediterranean coast. Average daytime temperatures range from 22-27°C, with occasional rain showers and cloudy skies. However, as the month progresses, the chances of sunshine increase and temperatures may climb higher which provides perfect conditions for visiting the region.
Interior: Some inland cities of Spain (eg. Madrid, Zaragoza and Seville) can experience scorching temperatures in August with average highs reaching 35-40°C and above. The weather is hot and dry with clear skies and minimal chances of rain.
